Daily Defence Update - 29th May 2024 Defence Current Affairs

29-May 2024...........

Current Affairs is a very important part of the defence exams like NDA, CDS, MNS, and AFCAT. Many candidates find it very difficult to prepare for current affairs as there is a lack of good sources of current affairs. Defence Guru is presenting another helpful initiative to cover defence current affairs for the NDA, CDS, MNS, and AFCAT exams. In this new series called Daily Defence Updates, we will be presenting daily defence current affairs covering all the major defence events within India as well as in other parts of the world. We will cover major geopolitical events also so as to prepare you for the SSB interview.

Chief of Army Staff Manoj Pandey to retire on 31 June

The current Chief of Army Staff has been given extension of one month and he will be retiring on 31 June. He will be succeeded by next Army Chief who will be appointed among senior officers. Among the top contenders to succeed General Pande are Army Vice Chief Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General AK Singh, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Central Army Commander Lieutenant General NS Raja, and Integrated Defence Staff Lieutenant General JP Mathews, with Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi being the seniormost.

Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh takes over as Commandant, National Defence Academy

Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh has been appointed as the Commandant of National Defence Academy. He will replace Vice Admiral Ajay Kocchar as his term has completed as Commandant. Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh is An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla), he was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1990. He has an exceptional career as an officer in the Indian Navy. He is a specialist in Gunnery and Missiles, he has also served onboard Indian Naval Ships Ranjit and Prahar.

India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-Prime Missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test-fired the new-generation Agni-Prime missile from Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on May 27th, 2024. Agni-Prime is a two-stage, canister-launched ballistic missile with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. It is designed to replace the older Agni-1 missile system and offers several advancements. This advance missile will have Improved guidance and navigation systems for greater precision in targeting, Modernized control systems for user-friendly operation, and Reduced radar signature for improved survivability.

India and Japan Conduct Joint Maritime Exercise in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) concluded a three-day joint maritime exercise, "JIMEX 24," in the Bay of Bengal on May 26th, 2024. The exercise involved participation from Indian ships like INS Kolkata, INS Shakti, and P8I maritime patrol aircraft, along with Japanese destroyers like JS Teruzuki and a P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. JIMEX 24 focused on enhancing interoperability between the two navies in areas like: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Operations, Surface Warfare Exercises and Air Defense Drills.

India and Russia Discuss S-400 Missile Delivery Schedule

Indian and Russian officials held a virtual meeting on May 27th, 2024, to discuss the delivery schedule for the S-400 Triumf long-range air defense missile system. The S-400 deal was finalized in 2018, and the first regiment is expected to be delivered to India by the end of 2024. However, concerns regarding potential sanctions from the United States under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) have cast uncertainty on the delivery schedule. Discussions reportedly focused on resolving logistical issues and ensuring timely delivery of the S-400 systems. The S-400 is a highly advanced air defense system capable of engaging a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and drones. Its deployment will significantly bolster India's air defense capabilities and deter potential aerial attacks.

Indian Army Inducts Advanced K9 Vajra-T Self-Propelled Howitzers

The Indian Army formally inducted the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer into service on May 25th, 2024. Developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with South Korea's Hanwha Defense, the K9 Vajra-T is a 155mm tracked artillery system. This advance artillery gun system is equipped with Enhanced Firepower, Improved Mobility, and Automated Fire Control System.